With plenty of horses on the early lead, the race could set up nicely for a closer like Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist. Although he lost his next two starts after the Belmont (Jim Dandy (G2) and Travers (G1)), neither loss was embarrassing, missing by only a couple lengths. He returned to win the Jockey Club Gold Cup against elders Sept. 27. Jockey Joel Rosario retains the mount for trainer Christophe Clement. He’ll break from post 11.
Another stalker with a chance to upset at a large price is Chad Brown’s Zivo. The 5-year-old has five wins in seven starts for the year, including the Suburban Handicap (G2). He finished second, 1 ¾ lengths behind Tonalist, in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) in his last start. He’ll break from post eight under jockey Jose Lezcano.
The field of 14 from the rail out, with odds, is Prayer For Relief 30-1, Cigar Street 12-1, Imperative 30-1, Moreno 20-1, V.E. Day 20-1, Bayern 6-1, Zivo 15-1, Toast of New York 12-1, Footbridge 30-1, Tonalist 5-1, Candy Boy 20-1, California Chrome 4-1, Majestic Harbor 20-1, and also eligible, Big Cazanova 30-1.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is the final of nine Breeders’ Cup races on Saturday’s 12-race card. The scheduled post time is 8:35 p.m. EST. It can be seen live on NBC (programming runs 8-9:00 p.m. EST), and tape delayed on HRTV and TVG. Click here for free PPs of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Friday’s Distaff, and Saturday’s Juvenile provided by Brisnet.
Coverage of Friday’s Breeders’ Cup races can be seen on NBC Sports Network from 5-8 p.m. EST. Saturday’s earlier Breeders’ Cup card can be seen on NBC Sports Network from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
Photo: Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer
